Take a look inside one of the only trains in the US considered high-speed
Taylor Rains
- Florida's new Brightline train travels at 125 mph along Florida's east coast.
- Brightline is one of only two high-speed rail networks in the US.
Bolting at up to 125 mph, Brightline is the newest high-speed rail network in the US.
The train line's Orlando route opened in September and connects to Miami via 235 miles of tracks. And it's proving popular, with Brightline already doubling frequencies.
I recently rode on the train and prefer it over driving. Here's a look inside Brightline.
Florida's new high-speed train is the second in operation in the US alongside Amtrak's Acela.
The Acela train runs up to 150 mph along the Northeast Corridor between Washington, DC and Boston.
The networks are tiny in comparison to those in Europe and Japan.
Countries like Germany, England, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Japan have trains that bolt up to 186 and 200 mph. Some trains in China run even faster.
These rail networks are robust, with France even banning flights between cities that can be easily reached by train.
But Brightline's vibrant yellow trains are just as nice.
Brightline's locomotives are built by Siemens Mobility at the manufacturer's plant in Sacramento, California.
Broken down into two fare types, Brightline offers "smart" and "premium" experiences.
Tickets start at $79 at the smart tier and $149 at the premium level between Orlando and Miami. Shorter trips are cheaper.
The differences involve onboard amenities, luggage allowance, and lounge access.
Customers get two carry-on bags and a reserved seat with a smart fare. Premium fares include one checked bag, food onboard, and lounge access at the train stations.
Specifically, smart cars come in a 2x2 layout, while premium cars have solo seat options.
The premium seating comes in double and quad seating as well. The fewer seats means the premium may be less crowded and noisy than smart cars.
Regardless of the car, the seats offer incredible legroom and hip space.
I recently rode on the Brightline and found the seat was spacious and tall, with wings around the headrests for some privacy.
Passengers can also expect amenities like a seatback pocket, WiFi, a tray table, and power.
There were power ports both in front of the seat and in between the armrests on the back of the seat.
The tray table even has a tinier one built in.
The smaller table was perfect for mounting a phone to stream entertainment.
Luggage racks are available above the seats and at the end of each car.
The restrooms were located between each car and were large and clean.
The seat does lack a footrest, though.
The bullet train in Japan and the TGV train in Germany both had footrests.
Regarding the service, attendants walk through the aisle to take meal orders and sell drinks.
Premium ticketholders get an included meal item.
Food options include things like egg sandwiches, yogurt, and Caesar salad.
A combo meal with an egg salad sandwich, chips, and a soda cost about $20.
I tried the food on my Brightline trip and thought it was actually pretty good.
Even though the egg sandwich was ridiculously expensive, it was at least good. But I'd recommend bringing your own to save money.
With Brightline finally operating in Florida, the company is hopeful for a successful line out west.
Brightline West will connect Las Vegas to cities in California, and the project just received a $25 million federal grant from the Department of Transportation in September.
Popular Right Now
Popular Keywords
Advertisement